Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) met a delegation led by H.E. Jan Thesleff, Swedish Ambassador to India and Sri Lanka, Mr. Sanjay Kulatunga, Honorary Consul General of Sweden in Colombo, and Mr. Pawan Tehlani, Lead for Sustainability and Climate Change at Business Sweden, on 04th of October 2024. The meeting was mainly focused on potential business collaborations and opportunities between the two nations.
A key highlight of the event was a presentation by Mr. Pawan Tehlani, Lead for Sustainability and Climate Change at Business Sweden, who introduced the Sweden-Sri Lanka Sustainable Foodtech Initiative. He shared insights from a high-level Swedish delegation visit to Colombo in June 2024, which included representatives from eight Swedish companies. This visit paved the way for future collaborations, particularly in areas where Sweden’s Triple Helix Model comprising government, research, and private organizations that can contribute to Sri Lanka’s development.
Mr. Tehlani emphasized that Sweden’s food market, projected to grow at an annual rate of 5%, is driven by sustainability and organic food production, areas where Sri Lanka can collaborate and make valuable contributions. He further noted that the Swedish Institute for Standards (SIS), the official standards body of Sweden, has been involved in numerous projects and training sessions across Asia, offering Sri Lanka the opportunity to benefit from similar initiatives. Additionally, Mr. Tehlani highlighted opportunities for Sri Lanka to engage in a residential training program at a commercial dairy farm in Sweden.
Ambassador H.E. Thesleff expressed Sweden’s strong interest in deepening partnerships in sectors where Sri Lanka has already made significant contributions to Sweden.
He stressed the importance of strengthening trade relations, especially in enhancing Sri Lanka’s exports to Sweden. The EDB Team led by Mrs. C.D. Dharmasena, Director General highlighted the current trade scenario and future potential for collaboration including food processing, education, marine, organic sectors and ICT.
Both Sides expressed optimism about the future of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, anticipating new opportunities to further strengthen the trade and economic ties.
